What happens when a mom on vacation runs out of books — and realizes her town needs a romance bookstore?
She builds one.
Today, I’m talking with Kelly Vann, founder of Lit Actually, a thriving niche bookstore that’s redefining what’s possible when moms stop waiting for the “right” time.
Inside this episode:
• How Lit Actually launched and sold out events within weeks
• The power of local PR, networking, and showing up where your customers already are
• Curating books that move (and learning from what doesn’t)
• Why your kids benefit from watching you chase a dream
• What to do when fear tries to convince you to wait
If you’ve been sitting on a business idea — this is the sign you needed.
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
• Follow Kelly on Instagram: @lit.actually
- Grab your free “Find Your Perfect Hustle” :
https://themoneyhungrymama.myflodesk.com/findyourperfecthustle
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If this episode fired you up, hit follow and leave a rating or review. It helps more moms find these stories and start building their own.
Because you were never meant to settle — you were meant to build.
What happens when the business you built from scratch… starts to suffocate you?
Today I’m talking with Mariah Stockman, CEO and founder of Made for Mothers, one of the fastest-growing communities for moms in business. Mariah built a $250K marketing agency that looked perfect on paper — until a postpartum lawsuit threat made her realize it was never the life she wanted.
In this raw, empowering conversation, we unpack how she turned burnout into a breakthrough, how motherhood reshaped her leadership, and why walking away from “success” might be the bravest thing you’ll ever do.
We talk about:
💛 Pivoting when your business no longer feels aligned
💛 Building confidence when you feel like starting over
💛 How motherhood can make you a stronger CEO
💛 Finding your purpose after burnout
If you’ve ever whispered to yourself, “I don’t love this anymore,” this episode is your permission slip to pivot — boldly and without apology.
Follow Mariah on Instagram → @madeformothers.co
Follow Brittany → @themoneyhungrymama
✨ Freebie Mention: Grab your Find Your Perfect Hustle guide in the show notes — because your next idea might just be the one that changes everything.
#MoneyHungryMama #Mompreneur #WomenInBusiness #MotherhoodAndMoney #PivotWithPurpose #EntrepreneurLife #MelRobbinsStyle #JennaKutcherPodcast
Feeling lost in motherhood? You’re not alone. In this raw and powerful episode of The Money Hungry Mama Podcast, Brittany sits down with Staci McGowan — the teacher and mom behind Pop Up and Play NJ — to talk about rebuilding your identity after kids, turning loneliness into community, and why success doesn’t have to be fast to be meaningful.
This isn’t a highlight reel — it’s an honest look at what happens when you slow down, listen to your gut, and start something that truly lights you up. If you’ve ever felt stuck, tired, or unsure of what’s next, this conversation will help you take the first step back to you.
In this episode of the Money Hungry Mama podcast, Brittany sits down with Andrea and Kelly, licensed therapists and co-founders of Haven for Healing—a brand-new mental-health practice built by moms, for moms.
Andrea and Kelly open up about their journey from working in group practices to launching their own business, all while balancing motherhood, marriage, and the mental load that comes with both. They share what it really takes to build a purpose-driven business in the wellness world, how therapy can be part of everyday wellness (not just crisis care), and what being a Money Hungry Mama means to them.
You’ll Learn:
How to know when it’s time to start your own business
The emotional side of helping others while healing yourself
Why moms don’t need to choose between ambition and empathy
How to build a brand rooted in service and authenticity
How therapy can support moms before burnout hits
💛 Connect with Haven for Healing:
Instagram: @havenforhealingNJ
Website: https://www.havenforhealingnj.com/
✨ Join the Free Money Hungry Mama Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FVmxXpM3J/
Connect with other moms building businesses, sharing stories, and cheering each other on every step of the way.
https://themoneyhungrymama.com/the-mompreneur-table
Follow @themoneyhungrymama on Instagram for more inspiration, and don’t forget to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts — because this is where motherhood meets motivation and mindset.
What does it look like to build a 7-figure business that changes lives — while still being the mom who shows up for everything?
In this episode, Brittany sits down with Mary Fusillo, founder of Family Solutions International, who’s helped over 7,500 families become parents through egg donation, surrogacy, and fertility consulting.
Mary opens up about her journey from journalist to nurse to CEO — and the lessons she’s learned about resilience, reinvention, and running a purpose-driven business.
You’ll hear:
✨ Why it’s never too late to start over
✨ The truth about passion vs. burnout
✨ How hiring help grew her business and her peace
✨ What it really means to build a business that honors motherhood
If you’ve ever doubted whether you can have both purpose and profit — this conversation will light you up.
Connect with Mary - https://familysolutionsinternational.com/start-here/
💬 Join the free Money Hungry Mama Facebook community to connect with other moms chasing their dreams: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FVmxXpM3J/
📩 Subscribe to the MHM Pulse Check newsletter for weekly motivation: https://themoneyhungrymama.myflodesk.com/oil2hd0pxf
Stay brave. Stay hungry. And keep building your dream life — one hustle at a time.
What happens when a mom sees a need — and decides to fill it herself?
In this episode, Brittany sits down with Toni Mullin, occupational therapist, single mom, and founder of Next Level Kids NJ, who turned her love for helping children into a thriving sensory play business. From starting small with sensory classes to becoming the local Miss Rachel, Toni’s story is all about creativity, courage, and community.
Tune in to hear:
- How Toni grew her side hustle into a sustainable business
- The real benefits of sensory play and social learning
- Why it’s okay to pivot, pause, and keep going anyway
- How to balance motherhood, business, and your own sanity
If you’ve ever dreamed of building something meaningful from scratch — this episode is your reminder that the magic starts with one idea.
Listen now and get inspired to build your next level.
Connect with Toni
@nextlevelkidzNJ
Join the MHM Community
Fb group → https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FVmxXpM3J/
Instagram → https://instagram.com/themoneyhungrymama
Website -> www.themoneyhungrymama.com
This week, we’re talking courage, community, and carbs — yes, pizza included.
Meet Melanie, co-owner of Amici Pizzeria in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, and mom of four who turned a family dream into a thriving community hub. From navigating the chaos of motherhood to winning second place at the New Jersey Pizza Wars, Melanie’s story is a masterclass in showing up fearlessly and building something beautiful from scratch.
We dive into:
- What it takes to run a family business (and marriage) side-by-side
- How motherhood pushed her to take the leap
- The truth about building local community and staying consistent on social media
- Why fearless is the new definition of being a Money Hungry Mama
Don’t miss the episode giveaway happening right now in my Instagram Stories — @themoneyhungrymama — and come join our free Facebook community to connect with other moms chasing their dreams.
Connect with Amici Pizzeria!
Instagram -www.instagram.com/amicipizzeria732
🎙️ Let’s get fearless, mama.
What happens when an ER nurse, mom of two, and wellness advocate decides she’s had enough of the hospital grind? She builds a business that blends health, beauty, and balance.
In this episode of the Money Hungry Mama Podcast, Brittany sits down with Jenn, founder of IVs by the Seas, to talk about her journey from working the frontlines of COVID to creating a thriving IV hydration and aesthetics business at the Jersey Shore. Jenn shares how she transformed her garage into a “pseudo-hospital,” why she tests every service on herself before offering it to clients, and how she fiercely protects her staff and family time.
You’ll learn:
The truth about vitamin absorption and why IV therapy works
How Jenn balances entrepreneurship with motherhood (without burning out)
The role of Instagram, authenticity, and even boundaries in scaling her business
Why making more money means nothing if you can’t get back your time
This conversation is for every mama who’s building something big but doesn’t want to lose sight of what matters most.
Connect with Ivs By The Seas
https://www.ivsbytheseas.com/
Join the MHM community
www.themoneyhungrymama.com
What happens when you dedicate two decades to raising your kids—and then decide it’s finally your turn?
In this episode, I sit down with C.M. Wyllie, a retired stay-at-home mom turned indie author whose story is equal parts powerful, emotional, and inspiring. From battling breast cancer and writing her first nonfiction book (Chemo Pissed Me Off), to turning her children’s silly nicknames into a published book series, to now chasing her dream of writing spicy new adult romance, Carol proves it’s never too late to go after what’s on your heart.
We talk about:
💡 How she pivoted from nonfiction to children’s books to romance
💡 The lessons cancer taught her about resilience and creativity
💡 Marketing tips for indie authors (and why your audience matters more than numbers)
💡 The importance of showing up authentically on social media
💡 What being a “money hungry mama” means to her
If you’ve ever felt like your dreams had to wait, this conversation will remind you that your story isn’t over—and the best chapters might still be ahead.
📌 Connect with C.M. Wyllie:
Instagram & TikTok: @cmwyllie
Website: www.cmwyllie.com
Preorder her new book Waiting Forever (launching October 17)!
www.themoneyhungrymama.com
✨ In this episode of the Money Hungry Mama podcast, I sit down with Megan Perry—a mom of two, long-time Touchstone Crystal leader, and founder of Surfside Social. Megan opens up about 15 years in the jewelry direct sales industry, how she built a thriving team culture rooted in mindfulness and connection, and the lessons she’s carried into her own digital marketing business.
We talk about:
Why MLM's don’t have to have a “bad rep” when the right support and culture are in place
How to grow with authenticity (and avoid the dreaded “hey girl” cold pitch)
Balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and even ACL recovery with grace
The mindset shifts and community support that keep her going
If you’ve ever considered joining direct sales, starting a side hustle, or just need encouragement as a mompreneur, Megan’s story will inspire you to stay consistent, lean on your community, and show your kids what’s possible.
Connect with Megan:
👉 Don’t forget to join the free Money Hungry Mama Facebook community where Megan and so many other moms are building businesses together.
When Tiffany launched Ocean Wave Mamas in New Jersey, her very first event had just one person show up. Fast forward a few months—and she’s hosting multiple events every month, connecting hundreds of moms through walks, brunches, playdates, and mom-only nights.
In this episode, Tiffany opens up about:
✨ The reality of starting small and showing up anyway
✨ How postpartum anxiety, depression, and even hyperemesis shaped her mission
✨ Building a safe, supportive space for moms to connect (even if they’ve felt isolated)
✨ Collaborating with local businesses and growing a community from scratch
This raw and real conversation is a reminder that you’re not alone, and that even the loneliest seasons can plant the seeds of something beautiful.
Follow Tiffany on Instagram at @OceanWaveMamas to connect with her events and community.
💛 Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode with another mama who needs it, and join the Money Hungry Mama community for more encouragement, resources, and real talk.
In this episode of Money Hungry Mama, I sit down with Nicole Bowyer—the inspiring founder of Coco on the Go, a thriving athleisure brand built from pure hustle, heart, and determination. Nicole takes us behind the scenes of how she went from waitressing nights and working a 9–5 to traveling to Brazil in search of fabrics, building relationships with factories, and eventually landing her brand in major retailers like MGM properties and Montage resorts.
We talk about the reality of entrepreneurship as a mom—the long nights, the moments of doubt, the wins worth celebrating, and the importance of knowing your audience. Nicole shares how she’s stayed resilient through setbacks, why persistence matters (it took her 8 years to land one of her dream accounts!), and what she wants every mama to know about starting a business from scratch.
If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to chase a big dream while raising a family and keeping the hustle alive, this episode will give you both the motivation and the real talk you need.
✨ Connect with Nicole: cocoonthego.com | Instagram: @cocoonthego
Join the MHM community - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FVmxXpM3J/
Ever thought about leaving a steady teaching job to chase a business dream? That’s exactly what Danielle Matos did—walking away from the classroom to build a thriving social media marketing company that’s now a full-blown family business.
In this episode, Brittany and Danielle dive deep into:
✨ The turning point that pushed Danielle to go all-in on herself
✨ How networking groups like BNI opened doors she never imagined
✨ Why engagement is “a digital flyer” for your brand
✨ Building a business alongside her husband (hello, drone footage + content days!)
✨ The real challenges of balancing motherhood, client work, and growth
Danielle’s story is proof that you don’t need to have it all figured out—you just need the courage to leap. If you’re craving inspiration, practical marketing tips, and the reminder that you can build your business your way, this conversation will light you up.
🔗 Connect with Danielle: @matos_media_marketing
💬 Join the free Money Hungry Mama Community to keep the conversation going → https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FVmxXpM3J/
Ever feel like you’re stuck in the middle of sibling battles, endless tantrums, and mom guilt? You’re not alone. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Taylor—child psychologist, professor, award-winning author, and founder of Better Together—to talk all things emotional health, sibling connection, and how to raise kids who thrive.
We dive into:
✨ The truth about sibling dynamics (and how to stop fueling conflict without realizing it)
✨ Simple strategies for helping kids manage big feelings
✨ Why mindfulness and play are game changers for your home
✨ How Dr. Taylor turned her passion into a nonprofit changing schools nationwide
This is the pep talk and practical toolkit every mama needs.
Join the conversation inside the Money Hungry Mama Community—because you don’t have to do motherhood or business alone.
Motherhood can feel lonely, exhausting, and overwhelming—but what if fitness could also be your lifeline to community? 💛
In this episode of The Money Hungry Mama, I sit down with Kristina Veit, a former teacher turned Fit4Mom franchise owner in Metuchen & Westfield, NJ. Kristina shares how she went from the classroom to creating a safe space for moms to connect, breathe, and move their bodies—all while including their little ones.
✨ You’ll hear:
Why Fit4Mom is about more than workouts—it’s about mental health, friendship, and confidence
How Kristina built her business from scratch (with no marketing experience!) and grew a thriving community
Real talk about mom guilt, leaving the house, and the power of showing up anyway
Why independence and using money for good is at the heart of being a Money Hungry Mama
If you’re craving connection, looking for inspiration in your own side hustle, or simply need the reminder that you’re not alone in this journey—this episode is for you.
🔗 Connect with Kristina:
Instagram: @fit4mommetuchenwestfield
💛 Let’s connect:
Instagram: @themoneyhungrymama
Join the free Money Hungry Mama Community on Facebook
This week on The Money Hungry Mama, I’m joined by speech-language pathologist, mom of two, and founder of The Speech Social, Lauren Moskwa.
Lauren shares how her own journey through motherhood inspired her to create a community where parents feel supported, not pressured. From turning laundry time into language time, to proving you don’t need expensive toys to help your child grow, Lauren breaks down practical, everyday ways to build communication skills at home.
We also talk about:
✨ The power of play in child development
✨ How Lauren built her business while juggling full-time work and motherhood
✨ The truth about balancing helpful content with selling your services online
✨ Why consistency (not constant posting) is the real growth strategy
✨ Encouragement for moms who want to start their own brand but don’t know where to begin
Whether you’re a parent navigating speech milestones or a mom dreaming of building a business from your passion, this conversation is full of inspiration, honesty, and doable tips.
Follow Lauren on Instagram @TheSpeechSocialSLP for more speech and language support.
Hit play and let’s dive in.
Join the Money Hungry Mama Facebook Group -> https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FVmxXpM3J/
Money talks don’t have to feel heavy—and today’s guest proves it. In this episode of The Money Hungry Mama, Brittany sits down with Erika Avena, founder of Prosperity Planning, to unpack how busy moms can create a budget that actually works, pay off debt without shame, and finally feel confident about their family’s financial future.
Erika shares:
✨ Why mindset is the first step to financial freedom
✨ Practical ways to cut expenses without sacrificing joy
✨ How to use the snowball method to crush credit card debt
✨ The importance of teaching our kids about money early
✨ Simple systems for meal planning, subscriptions, and more
This isn’t about giving up coffee or living in restriction—it’s about building a life where money supports your goals, not your stress.
👉 Connect with Erika on Instagram: @prosperityplanning
👉 Join the free Money Hungry Mama Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FVmxXpM3J/
Hit follow so you never miss an episode—and if you loved this conversation, share it with a mama who’s ready to get her money game on track!
In this episode of The Money Hungry Mama Podcast, I’m joined by Amanda Mignone, the creative mama behind Little Teacher Moments. What started as a simple way to share fun activities with her kids has blossomed into a thriving side hustle—from sensory Play-Doh kits and banners to her famous “Elf Boxes” that save parents 25 days of December stress.
Amanda opens up about:
✨ How she turned everyday mom-life into a creative business
✨ Why consistency matters more than perfection on social media
✨ The challenges (and joys!) of pricing her products as a mompreneur
✨ Her dream of building a creative studio for families
✨ The true meaning of being a Money Hungry Mama—chasing passion, not just money
This episode is a must-listen for moms balancing creativity, business, and family life.
🎧 Follow Amanda on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at @LittleTeacherMoments
🌟 Join the free Money Hungry Mama Facebook group to keep the conversation going!
Motherhood can feel isolating — but it doesn’t have to be. In this inspiring episode of Money Hungry Mama, Brittany sits down with Krystyna Cechulski, therapist, mom, and co-founder of The Mom Social Society, to talk about how she turned her passion for mental health and connection into a thriving mom community.
We dive into:
Krystyna’s journey from the Army and social work to entrepreneurship
The real struggles moms face postpartum and why trust matters more than ever
How to create safe spaces for moms who feel judged or alone
The power of in-person events and community over follower counts
Why building trust is the best currency in life and business
If you’ve ever wished for more support in motherhood, or you’re dreaming of building a business that actually makes an impact, this episode will light you up.
✨ Connect with Krystyna: [The Mom Social Society on Instagram]
✨ Join Brittany’s free community: Money Hungry Mama Free Facebook Group
What does it really take to make it in the publishing world as a mom with big dreams? In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Vicky Weber—children’s author, literary agent, and publishing coach—who has built a career wearing all the hats in the book industry.
Vicky shares her journey from music teacher to bestselling author, how she turned her passion into a thriving business, and the bold leap of faith that took her out of the classroom and into full-time publishing. We talk about the realities of marketing, what it’s like to query an agent, the biggest mistakes authors make, and why rejection doesn’t have to define your story.
If you’ve ever thought about writing a book, stepping into publishing, or simply chasing a dream that feels a little too big—you need this conversation.
Tune in to learn:
• How Vicky balances motherhood and multiple publishing roles
• The real mindset shift you need for marketing your work
• Tips for querying an agent (and what not to do)
• Why community and confidence matter more than perfection
This is your behind-the-scenes pass into the publishing world—mama style.
Follow Vicky
